Properly wiring my new 200a meter/panel

My new meter/main service panel has no ground bar only a neutral bar. I have been told that since it is the main (only) panel that this is fine. Does this mean that ALL ground and neutral wires to ALL circuits AND my ground rod should be connected to this neutral bar? Just doesn't seem right to me. I know that I can get/install a ground bar kit but it would be bonded to the neutral right? kinda seems redundant. I understand electricity but this is my first panel upgrade. any GOOD advice is appreciated.

Properly wiring my new 200a meter/panel

I'm sorry, I can't take it. There are certain things a homeowner can do on his own when it comes to electrical work, but replacing a main panel is not one of them.

How did you cut power to the old panel? How are you going to get it hooked back up? Is the service rated for 200 Amps? Most of the time (around here in WI) you will need a permit for the power company to make permanent connections. Around here, the only people that can pull permits for electrical are master electricians with the backing of a licensed and insured electrical contractor.

Properly wiring my new 200a meter/panel

Quote:

Originally Posted by k_buz

I'm sorry, I can't take it. There are certain things a homeowner can do on his own when it comes to electrical work, but replacing a main panel is not one of them.

How did you cut power to the old panel? How are you going to get it hooked back up? Is the service rated for 200 Amps? Most of the time (around here in WI) you will need a permit for the power company to make permanent connections. Around here, the only people that can pull permits for electrical are master electricians with the backing of a licensed and insured electrical contractor.

Not all areas require that and after inspection the power company will come out and connect the new service and install a meter.

__________________
With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

Properly wiring my new 200a meter/panel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techy

neutral wires do carry current, back to the transformer.

First off. I do understand the theory (ac power) and am certified in DC electrical (vehicles) and have a broad construction knowledge 20+ years. so running wiring , determining loads, proper connections ect. is actually pretty basic.
I am a homeowner that is upgrading my own service (as allowed) and DID pull proper permits and WILL pass inspection. HOWEVER I am just trying to wrap my head around the fact that current is able to go back to the transformer, on the neutral bar, while being bonded to ground. Understand?

Properly wiring my new 200a meter/panel

Properly wiring my new 200a meter/panel

The neutral conductor is providing the 'return' path back to the transformer. Bonding the neutral to the 'ground' at the main does a fews things. The grounds of the branch circuits and feeders that are fed by the main now have a path back to the transformer also. This will make overcurrent devices operate if there is a ground fault. Bonding the neutral conductor to the grounding electrodes via the grounding electrode conductor(s) will help stabilize the system voltage, and help protect the system from high voltage surges, like lightning.